[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Firearms and ammunition businesses were left scrambling after TFI International, parent company of Canpar and Loomis, halted all courier and shipping services for firearms and ammunition without notice and effective immediately on Thursday, May 27th.
Over the past weeks the CSAAA has been working to resolve this issue. We’ve had confidential communications with Canpar but have not received any official response for publication or disclosure. While we wait for further communication from Canpar, CSAAA has also held meetings with UPS, Purolator and potential new player Brinks to find replacement services.
The situation is complex because of Canada’s strict transportation regulations for firearms and ammunition and has been exacerbated for courier service providers by the current COVID-19 crisis. Politics is not the issue here, but it’s likely political effort will be needed to resolve the issue.
For most of the country, businesses and individuals will be able to find replacement services, although Canpar was considered one of the most cost-effective options. Canada Post is still an option for shipping firearms anywhere in Canada, although it might take a little more time than a courier service.
The big problem is businesses shipping ammunition to end users. Canada Post is not licensed to ship ammunition and with Canpar out of the mix, about 25% of the country cannot receive business-to-consumer ammunition shipments. This will cut off many rural, northern and remote areas, where ammunition is often a necessity, not a luxury.
This issue needs resolution on both the B2B and B2C fronts and the CSAAA is in communication with all parties including the Federal Government to find both short and long-term solutions.
We are keenly aware how urgent this is for both businesses and individuals. Unfortunately, the problem is complex and the solutions are not immediate. As this is not a political issue, we would like to avoid public debate as much as possible as that will only slow the process down. We ask for your patience as we work through this.
The CSAAA is particularly interested in hearing directly from businesses shipping to and customers living in areas previously serviced only by Canpar and Canada Post. Please contact us 1-705-875-2302 or email us at [email protected].[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
